2957 research outputs found
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Creative Economy: Support of Creative Hubs by the Public Sector in the Urban Environment
Get PDFCreative hubs are institutional organization of newly emerging creative industries. Economic activities associated with creative industries are very often business-oriented and strongly independent. However, there are often needs for public sector. The aim of paper is to analyze the situation in the Czech Republic and assess the involvement and benefits of the public sector towards the support of these business activities. Methodologically, the work is based on several approaches. Primarily, a database of Czech creative hubs was created as part of desk research. This was followed by quantitative questionnaire survey with representatives of creative hubs and quali tative research in the form of structured interviews with representatives of hubs and the public sector. It was found that without public finances and interest, Czech creative hubs cannot function in the long term. Financial support is therefore the most common form of public support. The main strength of hubs lies in the built community of members, offered services and networking. Conversely, the main weakness is the inability to secure sufficient funds and sponsors. Although public sector cooperation in the Czech Republic is still limited, many public representatives are beginning to realize the benefits of the creative economy and gradually implement it into policies.O
Appraising the dielectric properties and the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding of graphene reinforced silicone rubber nanocomposite
Get PDFThe aim of this research is to measure the dielectric properties and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of silicone rubber reinforced with graphene nanoplates. In a two-roll mill, different amounts of graphene aremixed together. This is followed by compression moulding at 170oC and post-curing for 4 h at 200oC. Between 1MHz and 1 GHz, the waveguide transmission line method and a vector network analyser are used to measure the dielectric and EMI SE parameters. As the amount of graphene is increased from 0 to 7wt%, AC conductivity goes up, reaching 1.19 x 10MINUS SIGN 3 S/cm at 7wt%. The same composition gives the highest EMI SE of 43.22 dB at 1 GHz. The high-frequency structural simulation of different compositions shows how shielding works, and the results agree with what has been seen in experiments.O
Monitoring Drought Tolerance Mechanisms of Sorghum and Maize Under Unevenly Distributed Precipitation
Get PDFThe study examines the morpho-physiological differences in leaf characteristics between two species of C4 plants: sorghum and maize. The research was conducted in field conditions where plants were rainfed. Both species different varieties were cultivated at two distinct sites that exhibited variations in soil texture and drought stress incidence according to the vegetation condition index (VCI). Samples were collected during various growth stages to analyze the relative water content (RWC), proline levels, and stomatal density. Sorghum plants displayed higher RWC, proline levels, and stomatal density than maize plants. In sorghum, the biochemical traits, such as the proline content, may play a more critical role in withstanding water-limited conditions than in maize in our experiment. Under the same water restriction period, sorghum showed higher RWC levels. Sorghum plants reduced stomatal density under more water-limited conditions, which proves its plasticity. Additionally, early maturation played a crucial role in both species. The early sorghum variety KWS Kallisto and maize variety Walterinio KWS had a more stable yield at both sites. Nevertheless, the highest yields were found in the later varieties, KWS Hannibal and KWS Inteligens. The higher proline levels and the relative water content are drought-tolerant mechanisms and may be used to indicate drought intensity in field conditions. Our findings spotlight the influence of genetic diversity and genotype-environment interactions in determining crop responses to drought stress, providing valuable information for future breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance in crops.OA-hybri
Calculation and operational assessment of tyre contact areas in the tractor-and-trailer unit
Get PDFThis paper deals with the verification of models for the calculation of the contact area with the soil using data measured during the testing of a tractor-and-trailer unit. The main emphasis was put on the method of calculating the contact area by means of a super ellipse. The comparison included calculation models with the input parameters of contact length and contact width of the tyre. These parameters were compared with values measured in the field where the main variables were tyre dimensions, inflation pressure and load. Results of comparisons show that the method of calculating the contact area using a super ellipse exhibited the best match with the measured values of all compared calculation models (81% in super ellipse with measured half-axes and 75% in super ellipse with calculated half-axes). As to trailer tyres, the match of measured values and those calculated using a super ellipse was even 95%. In the second step, also some empirical models for calculating the contact area were compared with the measured data, not entered by contact length and contact width as variables. Some of these models show a very good match with the measured data, which can be compared, or it is even higher than the calculation by means of a super ellipse. With the specified tyre deformation, however, we consider the model of calculation using a super ellipse as more appropriate for determining the size of contact area as it focuses on the geometry of tyre contact with the ground.O
Two new species of Hesperopenna Medvedev & Dang, 1981 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) from Singapore
Get PDFTwo new species of Hesperopenna Medvedev & Dang, 1981 are described from Singapore: H. temasek sp. nov. and H. bakeri sp. nov. The specimens of both new species were collected by Charles Fuller Baker and found in the unidentified Galerucinae material deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Hesperopenna temasek sp. nov. is diagnosed by the black extreme elytral suture in the basal third, antennae longer than the body, the structure of the penis, and the last abdominal ventrite with two deep U-shaped incisions in females. Hesperopenna bakeri sp. nov. is diagnosed by the black tibia and first two tarsomeres, and the structure of the penis.O
Synthetic leathers as a possible source of chemicals and odorous substances in indoor environment
Get PDFThis article deals with volatile organic substances (VOCs) and odours that can be released into the indoor environment from synthetic leathers that are part of upholstered furniture. The primary task of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of selected synthetic leathers and assess their emission characteristics, including odour substances. VOC emissions were determined using the test chamber method (ČSN EN ISO 16000-9) at a temperature of 23oC and a relative humidity of 50%. The emitted compounds were adsorbed by standard stainless steel tubes with Tenax TA sorbent. VOCs were analysed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry The properties of odours were tested using a Sniffer 9000 device, which was directly connected to a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. The dominant substances (with the highest concentration) that were emitted by samples of tested synthetic leathers include toluene (118.2 µg.mMINUS SIGN 3), 1,2-propanediol (46.2 µg.mMINUS SIGN 3), and limonene (153.0 µg.mMINUS SIGN 3). Ohio synthetic leather produced the most unpleasantness hedonic tone (-4) from all evaluated materials.O
Plant-soil nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus content after the addition of biochar, bacterial inoculums and nitrogen fertilizer
Get PDFThe use of biochar in combination with mineral or biological amendments to improve its influence on soil-plant properties has received growing attention. The changes of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus content in Lactuca sativa var. capitata aboveground plant biomass and soil after the addition of beech wood biochar combined with the addition of bacterial inoculums (Bacofil and Novarefm) and nitrogen fertilizer have been studied using spectrophotometry methods. Pots were filled with the arable soil from the plots in the protection zone of water sources (Březová nad Svitavou, South Moravia, Czech Republic). Biochar with inoculums decreased plant growth in the first yield of Novaferm treatment and both yields of Bactofil treatment. Increased plant biomass growth was observed with Novaferm addition in the second yield. Total nitrogen increase has been obtained in the plant aboveground biomass and soil of the treatments amended with inoculums and nitrogen fertilizer. The decrease of phosphorus content has been observed in plant aboveground biomass in the biochar amended samples.OA-hybri
Magnetocaloric-Responsive Hydrogel Nanoarchitectonics for Pyroptosis-Relay-Immunotherapy to Suppress Post-Operation Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis
Get PDFAlthough a widely used option in contemporary anticancer treatment, surgery still causes serious issues, including post-operation recurrence and the development of metastases. Immunotherapy, often following surgical resection of a tumor, has demonstrated benefits in improving the therapeutical outcomes of surgery. However, antigen generation and presentation play an essential role in reversing limited T-cell responses or immunological resistance. Thus, a gelatin-tannic acid gel (GelTA) crosslinked bimetallic (Zn0.35Fe0.65) magnetocaloric-responsive hydrogels (GelTAMNPs) are developed to mediate pyroptosis-relay-immunotherapy for suppressing post-operation tumor recurrence and metastasis. After surgical resection of tumor, GelTAMNPs generate hyperthermia inducible by alternating magnetic field and release ions (Fe3+, Fe2+, and Zn2+), reinforcing pyroptosis. Subsequently, the cell contents and cytokines released due to pyroptosis act as a "relay baton" passed from the tumor to the lymph nodes, leading to an enhanced systemic immune response. Combined with the PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade, the recurrence and metastasis are significantly suppressed. An in vivo preclinical study on B16F10 tumor-bearing mice demonstrates a long-lasting immunological activation due to post-surgical administration of GelTAMNPs. Altogether, the presented hydrogel exhibits a potential high magnetic sensitive pyroptosis-relay-immunotherapeutic platform for postoperative adjuvant treatment.OA-hybri
Effect of fining agents on the chemical composition and sensory properties of apple cider
Get PDFThis study focuses on analyzing the impact of various fining agents on apple cider and evaluating their effects on its physical-chemical and sensory properties. Despite its common cloudy state, some consumers prefer clear apple cider. Within this study, two variations of apple cider were analyzed: original cider and cider with added barrique extract. Eight different fining agents were applied to these samples, specifically bentonite, gelatin, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, egg white protein, activated carbon, pea protein, isinglass, and silica gel. The results revealed that the use of fining agents significantly impacted the antioxidant content in apple cider. The most substantial reduction in antioxidants was observed in samples with added activated carbon, resulting in a 75% decrease to values of 0.11-0.26 mmol TE/L. This decrease in antioxidants correlated with a decline in total polyphenols. Sensory analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences among the various apple cider samples. Bentonite and egg white protein had minimal adverse effects on sensory properties, while activated carbon had the most pronounced negative impact on the aroma and taste of the cider. This study provides valuable insights into the use of fining agents in winemaking technology and their effects on the quality of apple cider, considering consumer preferences.OA-hybri
Hranice karst - proposal map
No full textSoubor map s odborným obsahem - návrhová mapa obsahuje návrh multifunkčních opatření pro oblast Hranického krasu - hydrotermálnímu krasu nacházejícímu se na výběžku karbonátových hornin devonského a paleozoického stáří u města Hranice v České republice. Opatření jsou založena na principu přírodě blízkých řešení a jejich účelem je snížit intenzitu zemědělského využití v zranitelných plochách se zároveň projeví ve zlepšení biodiverzity, zvýšení retenční schopnosti krajiny a zvýšení rekreačního potenciálu území. Koncept návrhu sleduje tři komplementární cílové charakteristiky krajiny. Přírodní a druhové bohatou krajinu kry Maleníku s těžištěm v okolí Hranické propasti, Zbrašovských aragonitových jeskyních, přírodních rezervací Hůrka a Kobylanky, rekreační potenciál propasti a jeskyní a jejich rozšíření o další atraktivity, které umožní vytvoření okruhu, a vytvoření odolné zemědělské krajiny, jež integruje výše uvedené opatření do protierozní ochrany.A set of scientifically-based maps includes a design map proposing multifunctional measures for the Hranice Karst area, a hydrothermal karst located on a protrusion of Devonian and Paleozoic carbonate rocks near the town of Hranice in the Czech Republic. The measures are based on the principles of nature-based solutions, aimed at reducing the intensity of agricultural use in vulnerable areas, which will also result in improved biodiversity, increased water retention capacity of the landscape, and enhanced recreational potential of the area. The design concept focuses on three complementary landscape characteristics: a natural and species-rich landscape centered around Maleník, including the Hranice Abyss, Zbrašov Aragonite Caves, Hůrka and Kobylanky nature reserves; the recreational potential of the abyss and caves, with their expansion to include additional attractions to create a circuit; and the creation of a resilient agricultural landscape that integrates the aforementioned measures into erosion control.Published Versio